FIST Assessment Phase

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Oct 4, 2008

The FIST (Future Integrated Soldier Technology) program, currently in the assessment phase, has gone through several phases of trials, which highlighted some technical issues with equipment subsystems. These tests demonstrated how the FIST will integrate within the British Army’s Bowman network and work with other systems currently under planning stage. Recent tests validated the improvements made with weapons and firepower of the fire team.

Each FIST fire team comprises a commander, grenadier and two riflemen. The basic weapon used is the SA-80A2 individual weapon. All team members will use this rifle in different configuration. The grenadier also carries a 40mm grenade launcher, the rifleman – marksman is armed with a long barrel version of the SA-80 and the rifleman gunner carries a light machine gun. Accurate firepower, particularly by machine gun and UGL (which will be armed with lethal and less than lethal ammunition) will enable the fire team to engage targets at short and medium range, maneuvering effectively and issue less than lethal warning effects.

All weapons are equipped with close-quarter optical sights. For the FIST trials, COGS sights were supplied to commanders and grenadiers. Gunners operated the Qioptiq VIPIR thermal day sight and the marksman a lightweight day sight. Grenadiers used ISTEC quadrant sight with EOTECH optic sights and Vectronix laser rangefinder. With the improved weapon, grenadiers were able to score better first-round hits.

The present individual radio used by British infantry teams consists of the Personal Role Radio, networked at the platoon level. The reach of the PRR could be extended to the company level, utilizing future Bowman 354 sets. The radio will also be integrated with the platoon’s vehicles, get encryption and data transfer capability, embedded with GPS and link to a hand-held computer. The PRR will be able to support Low Latency, Enhanced Situational Awareness (ELSA) functionality as well as report the location and status of lost individuals.For target acquisition, reconnaissance and observation, commanders used the Moskito, handheld day/night Commander Target Locator (CTL) from Vectronix. This device provides x5 magnification in day (x3 at night) while measuring range and bearing to the target. An Off-Axis Viewing Device developed by Ocutek was also tested. The system can be used from behind cover, for target detection and recognition from useful ranges, facilitating safe observation from behind obstacles and walls. Remotely operated and viewed on a console or a wrist mounted display, the system captures stores and replays selected images for further intelligence analysis.
The electronic ensemble of the FIST consists of several common modules, some are identical to all users and others are role- specific. All FIST team members will use a voice and data radio with embedded GPS. The actual C4I gear carried by each soldier will be tailored to his role and missions. The commander will also get a computer, display and CTL link, enabling him to carry out selected missions, such as navigation, reporting, situation analysis, planning and target hand-off functions.

According to John Foley, FIST program Technical Director at Thales, During testing, the limitations of personal radios and low-power data radios became evident, since they are operating within very strict limitation of dimensions and power (RF emission levels, antenna length and height etc.) These were especially restrictive in rough and even mildly forested terrain. Soldier posture also affected radio performance, especially in kneeling and prone positions behind cover, which also shields radio emission. The FIST C4I-Soldier system selected for Combined Operational Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal (COEIA) trials included the Cobham C3I system and the Microlight radio from Raytheon. The full C4I-Commander ensemble weighed about five kg and could sustain six hours of operation.

Future FIST developments will be structured into several increments. The first will utilize the baseline FIST suite, including the weapons, communications, and navigation and computing for commanders (situational reporting) and personal gear. The second increment will employ upgrades to the original systems, particularly as Bowman systems are enhanced to enable further integration within command and control elements. Further increments will also include weapons enhancements.
The FIST gear is still quite heavy, especially the ballistic protection, where weight reduction is recommended. The most significant constraint on FIST is power. According to Col. A.G. Bain, British Army Force Development Headquarters Infantry, at the section level, the Army plans to use the FIST with Personal Equipment and Operational Clothing (PECOC), Bowman radio system, man-pack ECM system to ward of IEDs and a future family of small arms system (FFSAS). At platoon level, the army is looking for the fielding of an anti-structure munition (ASM), 60m mortar. This vehicle will also be able to supply power recharging during extended missions. The equipment used by the fire team will be standardized across a range of modular systems including weapons, sights, night vision systems and communications of which fire teams will be able to share and swap modeling the special-forces ‘golf bag’ concept.

Colonel Bain admitted that while the sensible optimum weight of personal gear and equipment should not exceed 25 kg, the current load reaches 52 kg and more. One of the possible solutions to this problem is to offload some of the weight onto a robust load carrier. The British Army plans to field the new organic Ultra-Light Utility Vehicle (ULUV), to carry some of the platoon’s extra loads.

(Updated: 2007)

Future Integrated Soldier Technology – FIST

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Oct 4, 2008

FIST (Future Integrated Soldier Technology) is a tri-service project initiated by the UK Ministry of Defense, which will provide the British Armed Forces with an integrated fighting system for dismounted, close combat troops. Initial suits will be available for operational testing by 2007. Under the UK 2 billion pounds program Thales UK will equip 29,000 troops with initial operational capability planned for 2009.

FIST is a modular, integrated, and fully upgradable fighting system which will further integrate with the future FRES combat systems concept of the British army. The system will mesh each soldier into the digitized battlefield as a “weapons system” in his own right, each man-platform contributing to the larger, network enabled environment where each soldier platform becomes a key component within the network centric battlefield system.

FIST will employ enhanced communications capability including voice, data, images and internet facilities. The system will provide adequate bandwidth for the transfer of large volumes of tactical information. Softer camouflage textiles will provide durability, environmental protection and reduced thermal signature while new composite materials provide for lightweight, flexible body armor.

Clothing and protection

FIST will employ enhanced communications capability including voice, data, images and internet facilities. The system will provide adequate bandwidth for the transfer of large volumes of tactical information. Softer camouflage textiles will provide durability, environmental protection and reduced thermal signature while new composite materials provide for lightweight, flexible body armor.

Electronic Equipment

Beside its role as protective gear, the helmet will mount a computerized display which will enable the user to view the weapon’s mounted sight as well as computer generated images. Together with alternative displays such as weapon mounted sights and hand held computers these elements will provide remote viewing of mission critical data including maps, images and video from stored or real-time sources. These remote sources could include weapons sights from other section members, ground sensor pictures sent directly from unattended sensors or from HQ, or surveillance cameras mounted on unmanned aerial or ground vehicles. Night vision technology will be used as part of the FIST system will include advanced versions of Image Intensifier (I2) sights, offering greater sensitivity and clarity combined with reduced size and weight. GPS systems will be combined with a navigation sub-system, including a Digital Compass to provide fully integrated navigation, orientation and target acquisition capability. The soldier will be able to plan a route in advance, incorporating waypoints and avoiding dangers, and follow this even at night, using helmet mounted display with visual or audible cues.

Weapon Systems

The standard issue British Army weapon will be equipped with sights and switches interfacing with the soldier’s suite. It will also receive an underslung grenade launcher which will provide enhanced firepower and use of special munitions. Fire control systems integrated with weapon’s sights are also expected to migrate to the individual weapons. The evolution of small, lightweight, uncooled thermal sights will provide dismounted troops the ability to engage targets covertly at night and through smoke. In addition, the incorporation of Rapid Area effects with precision fire control will enable the infantry team to deliver effects much more accurately than current systems.

Development and testing

In January 2005 the FIST system went through its first major experimental trial. Part of the Assessment Phase, this is the latest of a series of trials that will assess the requirements for the FIST system and identify the factors that will influence the next phase. The trials took place at the Army’s Salisbury Plain Training Area and involved some 70 soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, representing the organizational structure of an infantry company. The soldiers were put through a number of scenarios, typical of those encountered by infantry soldiers, including a night patrol, rural defense and urban assault. Their effectiveness was compared with that of other soldiers equipped with conventional infantry equipment.

Each soldier was equipped with experimental FIST systems, comprising a combination of “Off The Shelf” modules, including radios, computers, GPS, weapon sights and cameras. The equipment was linked together to form an integrated soldier system. These experimental systems are designed to answer a series of questions concerning the functionality required by individual members of the infantry section, such as riflemen and commanders, in particular relating to their information needs during operations. The resulting data will support the FIST V2 system design, which will be a further step toward the final FIST system that ultimately enters service. V2 will be optimized for weight, power consumption, human factors, cost and reliability and will be the subject of a major trial in the second half of 2005.

At a briefing at DSEi 2005, Thales indicated the program is on time and budget to proceed to the next phase of validation testing in October 2005. In the development and evaluation process Thales and the Defense Procurement Agency conducted some 50 equipment mini-trials have, as part of the system functionality testing and risk reduction process.

While FIST improves the full capability of the infantry warrior, the greatest enhancement of capability will come from the introduction of command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) tools to the section level. Systems such as situational awareness system are not expected to be available to all section members, but mainly to the commanders and leaders. At present, the section’s elements will include commander, grenadier, gunner and marksman – each role will be provided for by a variation of the FIST design. FIST suits will retain the current SA-80 A2 assault rifle. This weapon is already equipped with an optical sight and will add 40mm grenade launcher for the grenadier.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II

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Oct 3, 2008

The latest version of the F/A-18 – the F model (Super Hornet). Two versions are currently in production – the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. This carrier capable aircraft provides a versatile platform for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defense, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker. The aircraft is currently in production for the US Navy and the Australian Air Force.

Apart from a pair of powerful GE F414-GE400 engines, producing a combined 44,000 pounds of thrust, the Super Hornet utilizes more advanced aerodynamic design giving it exceptional combat maneuverability, an unlimited angle of attack, high resistance to spins and departures and ease of handling and training. The aircraft uses reconfigurable digital flight control system can detect damage to or full loss of a flight control and still allow safe recovery. Increased airflow to the engine is provided through the Super Hornet’s large, distinctively shaped inlets. A full authority digital electronics control (FADEC) allows for unrestricted engine response in any phase of flight.

One of the aircraft most significant improvements is its APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar produced by Raytheon. This radar is scheduled to become operational with VFA-213 in 2008. By that time, Block II Super Hornet is expected to become the first production aircraft to roll out of the assembly line, equipped with the new-generation air/air and air/ground radar. This agile radar will be able to track twice as many targets as current systems, detect targets at longer range, provide high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping at long stand-off range, while simultaneously perform air-to-air search, target tracking or and air-to-ground missions.

Optimized for low radar cross-section the radar contributes to the aircraft stealthiness, as well as protection against hostile radars, by complementing the electronic warfare suite. Other recently incorporated upgrades include the introduction of the advanced targeting forward looking infrared (ATFLIR) and joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS). The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) datalink system is also added, in addition to advanced displays and computers. Additional work is currently underway with the development of the aircraft Infrared Search and Track (IRST), developed by Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division. The aircraft will be able to fuse data from the AESA, IRST, ALR-67(V)3 digitally cued radar-warning receiver and off board information, to create high level situational picture.

Unlike other IRST systems installed in front of the cockpit on the upper fuselage, the Super Hornet’s IRST will be installed on a 480 gallon fuel tank, which will contain more than 330 gallons of fuel in addition to providing the IRST capability. First production deliveries are planned for 2012, with initial operational capability (IOC) anticipated in 2013. Boeing expects to receive the initial IRST development contract from the Navy in the summer of 2008. The total contract value is expected to exceed $500 million through the development and production phases of the program.
The first production model Super Hornet was delivered to the U.S. Navy in December 1998. In April 2005, Boeing delivered the first Super Hornet Block II, complete with AESA radar. As of January 2007, 300 Super Hornets have been delivered.

Boeing IDS is hopeful the aircraft will find future markets, especially in those countries currently flying the F/A-18 Hornet, such as Finland, Switzerland, Malaysia and Kuwait. Other prospective markets include Japan and India.

DIRCM Mini-Pointer/Tracker

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Sep 30, 2008

The system’s four-axis tracking device ensures that the maximum jamming energy is maintained on the target throughout the engagement, regardless of the aircraft maneuvering. The new device was developed by Northrop Grumman for integration into operational AN/AAQ-24(V) NEMESIS and the new Guardian systems.

This all-laser device can be installed on a wide range of platforms, both fast moving and rotary wing aircraft. The new device is compatible with existing NEMESIS systems, offering improved performance without airframe modifications. The system is also compatible with current AN/AAR-54(V) missile warning sensor (MWS) and will integrate into the company’s future Multi-Image MultiSpectral (MIMS) advanced two-color IR MWS currently in development.

Delivery of Indian AEW Aircraft Delayed to Early 2009

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Sep 24, 2008

phalcon_to — The first of three PHALCON AEW aircraft delivered to India under the Russian-Israeli-Indian deal.

With flight testing continued beyond schedule, delivery of the first aircraft has slipped in about six months. Meanwhile, India plans buying more Aerostat-borne radars from Israel

Indian IL76 Phalcon AEW aircraft undergoing flight testing in Israel. Photo: The delivery of three Israeli Phalcon Airborne early Warning aircraft has been delayed again. Originally planned for delivery in November 2007 and pushed back to September 2008, the first aircraft slated to arrive in India by January – February 2009. Hopefully, the aircraft will be available for India’s major aerospace event – Aero India 2009.

The $1.1 billion program suffered several setbacks due to late arrival of the Russian built IL-76 aircraft in Israel. The aircraft is currently undergoing flight testing in Israel. “There have been technical hitches in the integration work. But we are pushing the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) to deliver the first Awacs before the end of this year,” a source in India informed the Times of India.

Development and integration of AEW aircraft proved to be a significant challenge for all companies involved in such programs. A similar program conducted by Boeing in Australia has been delayed for several years.

The newspaper also indicated that India is also on course to acquire four more Israeli Aerostat radars, at a cost of around $300 million, to bolster its ability to detect hostile low-flying aircraft, helicopters, spy drones and missiles. These radars will succeed two similar systems carrying the EL/M-2083 radars, deployed in 2004-2005 as part of a $145 million contract.

Raytheon, AAI Demonstrate Multi-UAV Ground Control System’s Capabilities

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Sep 24, 2008

Raytheon Company has developed an advanced common ground control system (CGCS), and is proposing the system as ‘unsolicited proposal’ for use by the U.S. Air Force’s Predator UAV units, promising a ‘dramatic improvement’ in the efficiency of man-machine interface, related to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Raytheon is offering the system to the Air National Guard, to improve the Predator operations centers currently being fielded. (more details on Raytheon’s CGCS) Further improvements were recently demonstrated to the US Army and Navy, operating the ‘One System’ Ground Control System supporting the Shadow-200 and Hunter and new Sky warrior UAVs.

The new One System’ fully supports NATO standardization agreement (STANAG) 4586, translating information from unmanned vehicles into standardized message formats that can be shared with other systems. Likewise, information can be transferred back into vehicle-specific messaging formats for seamless interoperability. Furter exploiting the potential interoperability, AAI and QinetiQ North America are cooperating in an effort to integrate integrate the control of unmanned aerial and ground systems (UAS/UGV) in a single ground control station (GCS), based on AAI’s One System, which is already used by the US Army and Marine Corps for the control of a number of UAS.

In the demonstration held last month, the two companies presented the potential benefits of such integration in a recent demonstration, where imagery collected by a Shadow 200 flying overhead was displayed to the TALON’s controller, offering greater situational awareness from data provided by the UAS overhead. (more details on the STANAG 4586 One System GCS)

FCS’ NLOS-Cannon Tested at Yuma

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Sep 23, 2008

The US Army’s future self propelled gun – the ‘Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon‘ prototype (NLOS-C/P1) fired the first round at the Yuma proving grounds. The vehicle will fire an additional 500 rounds through early 2009 to obtain a safety release that will allow soldiers to move, shoot, and communicate from an NLOS-C in spring 2009.

NLOS-C is the lead prototype in the Army’s family of eight FCS Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs). The new cannon implements automated ammunition loading system and improved accuracy through on-board projectile tracking coupled with the power of the FCS network and sensors. It is operated by a crew of two soldiers. “This marks the first 155mm round fired from a fully automated howitzer mounted on an FCS hybrid-electric chassis and remotely commanded through its on-board computers and controls,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Robert McVay, Army Product Manager for NLOS-C.

It will be one of nine vehicles to be produced under the system development phase. As the system is approved for operational testing, more vehicles will be produced for the testing, overall, the Army’s Evaluation Task Force (AETF) will receive 18 NLOS-C platforms starting in 2010. The AETF will put the NLOS-C through combat scenarios to provide lessons learned that will be used to enhance and finalize the design for the final production NLOS-Cs and the rest of the MGV family.

Controp Unveils Aerostat-Dedicated Stabilized EO Payload System

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Sep 23, 2008

A new stabilized electro-optical payload system recently deployed with IDF units provides sharp, stable imaging even under difficult weather conditions. The system designated ‘Speed A’ facilitates advanced, automated image processing and functionality for homeland security and force protection

Controp Precision Technologies unveiled a new and unique EO multi-sensor payload system designed specifically for aerostat applications. The ultra-lightweight payload designated ‘Speed-A’ (seen in the insert in the picture above) uses five axis stabilization (yaw, pitch and roll) to compensate for typical aerostat movements, providing continuous stable and sharp imaging under all weather conditions. The ‘Speed-A’ sensor payload includes a daylight colorand thermal imager (FLIR), both equipped with continuous zoom, a laser rangefinder and laser target marker.

The high stability provided by the Speed-A system’s facilitates some advanced functions built-into the system, including automatic movement detection and panoramic scan, contributing to improved surveillance efficiency even in high wind conditions. ‘Speed-A’ has been fielded with IDF aerostats this year. The system has already been deployed on the Skystar 300 tactical aerostat system (picture above), deployed at an altitude of about 1,000 ft. The Skaystar system was developed by Aeronautics Defense Systems.

Another compact payload fielded in 2007 is the ‘Shapo’ (picture – below left). Weighing about 10 kg, Shapo is designed to carry three EO systems, including a daylight color and FLIR, both using continuous zoom, a laser rangefinder or laser target marker. Shapo is designed for use with helicopters, tactical UAVs, boats and vehicles. Another system recently fielded is the C-View (picture, below right), a rugged, compact and lightweight stabilized EO payload fielded in 2008, designed for naval applications the C-View uses an environmentally protected 3 gimbal stabilized platform carrying a daylight color or FLIR for day/night operation.

The new systems were displayed on the company’s 20th anniversary event held September 23, 2008 in Israel.

Norwegian Protectors for Slovenian Armored Vehicles (AMVs)

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Sep 23, 2008

Slovenia will field Kongsberg’s Protector RWS on its 8×8 AMVs

Kongsberg Defense from Norway will supply Slovenia with M151 Protector Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to equip 135 AMV 8×8 armored vehicles to produced by the Finnish company Patria. Originally, Slovenia selected an early version of an Israeli remotely operated weapon station, developed by IMI and Elbit Systems. However, RCWS developments at both companies went in different directions. As a result, Patria’s intermediary in Slovenia Rotis, the prime contractor for the program, and the customer decided to source the systems at the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense.

Rotis will also cover the integration costs involved with the new system. The Slovenian ministry of defense referred to certain shortcomings, primarily related to operations at very low temperatures. Defense Update has learned that although the RWS itself will be provided by the Norwegian company, certain electro-optical and electronic systems associated with the system will still be supplied by the Israeli company. In the recent months Kongsberg demonstrated significant growth of its RWS business, winning the large multi-year CROWS-2 program in the USA and France, and supplying significant orders to the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Australia.

New Missions for Herti

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Sep 20, 2008

BAE System’s Herti Unmanned Autonomous System (UAS) is positioned to assume an expanding the range of applications, from commercial missions such as pipeline, plant and infrastructure surveillance, through to maritime, coastline, border and military surveillance, and even armed reconnaissance and close air support.

The armed version of the Herti, dubbed ‘Fury’ is the latest version of the British unmanned system, made its public debut on static display at Farnborough this year. Sharing a similar airframe and some vehicle system components with the Herti reconnaissance and surveillance UAS, Fury features the latest generation mission systems avionics, a newly developed stores management system and a proven weapon guidance system.

The system has been developed and trailed in partnership with Thales UK’s missile business in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is armed with the new Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM) system. These missiles were selected for Fury due to its suitability for lightweight maneuverable platforms, and for its ability to fire on the move while delivering significant precision effects. BAE Systems’ project director Chris Clarkson describes the new Fury as an affordable, reliable and highly accurate weapon system capable of operation from forward locations, with small logistic footprint and low operator workload. In the current configuration, the aircraft carries two LMM pods fitted under a new patented pylon design enabling the wing that was not originally designed to carry external stores to maintain its strength and flexibility while carrying these loads.

Preparing the Herti to pursue the new missions, BAE Systems is modifying the experimental system into a robust, production standard aircraft capable of autonomous, reliable and safe operation. The new airframe is being manufactured by Slingsby Aviation in the UK, based on an original design by J&AS Aero Design of Poland. A key element in the new platform is the BAE Systems-developed flight control system and new avionics suite, designed for improved operational capability and a high level of system redundancy, as required for operation over populated areas. The production standard system also includes lightning protection and a full night flying capability which reflect its ability to provide persistent surveillance in all weathers. “Herti is an affordable UAS, built to meet operational needs, but with the flexibility to meet emerging and future requirements” says Andy Wilson, Business Development Director Utility UAVs at BAE Systems.

The production standard platform utilizes more robust a mission system comprising more flexible multi-payload turret manufactured by Polytech AB from Sweden, This mount enables easy integration of alternative sensors to meet the operational requirements of individual customers. The baseline payload comprises electro-optical sensors for day and night operations.
BAE carried out an extensive flight test program using three development aircraft to verify the new mission system. This program included endurance flying, night flights, and a fully autonomous night landing. Comprehensive fatigue testing of a Herti airframe is also being performed. The system performed a number of demonstration flights at fully operational RAF airbases using a new containerized ground control station and remote viewing terminal and proved its ability to provide real time access to intelligence data via satellite.

Herti was developed by BAE Systems as one of a new generation autonomous UAVs suitable for both military and commercial operations. When coupled with BAE System’ Imagery Collection & Exploitation (ICE) system, the aircraft can provide imagery and intelligence collection services maritime, coastline and border surveillance as well as showing broader potential for areas such as pipeline, plant and infrastructure surveillance.

Herti was developed as a concept demonstrator system, first flown in December 2004 using off the shelf systems, power-plants and ground stations, developed for other BAE Systems UAV programs. At Farnborough 2006 BAE first displayed a production configuration of the vehicle. The UAV took part in the UK MOD’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) at Portsdown in June 2006, where the system demonstrated its ability to integrate with the networked environment, supporting the generation of a single integrated surface picture by multiple, networked sensors. In September, 2006 the Royal Air Force’s Air Warfare Centre Unmanned Air Vehicle Battlelab (AUB) launched a joint project with BAE systems, to test the HERTI in various military exercises over a two-year period. In 2007 Herti was tested in Australia, demonstrated during an international ‘world tour’ in Singapore and Central Asia, where it was evaluated with British forces operating in Afghanistan for a short time in early 2008.

Bridging the SOA divide for deployed assets

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Sep 20, 2008

How the Feds must rethink software design principles to better serve users abroad
By Cameron Matthews, CTO, Sentek Consulting

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the definition of grouping functionality around business processes and packaging them as interoperable services, is ideal for most government and military technology environments. This practice allows different applications to exchange data with one another by loosely connecting services with operating systems, programming languages and other technologies that underlie applications. These services communicate with each other by passing data or coordinating an activity with other systems. SOA affords agencies the ability to take advantage of new technologies and respond to end-user demands more quickly and cost-effectively.

However, establishing and maintaining connectivity between applications and services can be significantly difficult in forward-deployed operations. Military commanders in the Northern Mountains of Afghanistan may find satellite coverage spotty or conditions unsafe to stop, upload and share information. State Department staff and U.S. Agency for International Development members may not have access to dependable power or telecommunications in areas like West Africa as they seek to learn the latest whereabouts of warring tribes seeking to steal their humanitarian goods and services. Justice, Homeland Security and other federal intelligence agencies may also find themselves seeking information about critical leads and tips in the jungles of Southeast Asia, but lack stable Internet connectivity to communicate with the outside world.

Infrastructure issues abound

These scenarios are becoming more commonplace as the Global War on Terror requires more U.S. government and military personnel to operate in remote areas for longer periods of time with little – if any – reliable infrastructure to support operations. Forward-deployed assets will undoubtedly deal with regular power outages, sporadic Internet connectivity and high-packet latency.

Furthermore, initiatives such as the U.S. Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services, or CANES, will not only bring about faster implementation of new technology aboard ships, aircraft and ground units at a reduced cost, but will also bring to the forefront the need to service the small, but active number of forward-deployed military personnel who are dealing with significant geographic and communication limitations that make them ill-suited to share and transfer data in large amounts on a continual basis.

Rethinking data exchange strategies

This doesn’t mean that all government SOA strategies should stop. Far from it; its benefits are too good to not implement. However, there will need to be some rethinking by program managers and engineers about how data exchange can occur with units and individuals operating in remote areas. Here are just a few examples:

Resolving the “Small Pipe Syndrome”

For issues where remote operations are preventing forward deployed assets from downloading large amounts of data before timing out, administrators should consider implementing policies and practices to move data along, such as:

Using compression software on SOA Web service call payloads or transport-level compression (e.g. GZIP over HTTP)
Reducing the amount of Web service calls and messages that are sent.
Batching information together where possible to reduce call overhead.
Using longitudinal communication encoding (never sending the same full message twice).
Designing the system to not use polling to detect updates if they occur elsewhere or on the server in order to avoid clogging the network.
Designing the system to be event-based with server push to reduce the update detection traffic to a minimum.

Overcoming intermittent connectivity

To better serve end users operating in locations with unstable or unreliable power and Internet access, agencies may want to employ these tactics:

Using a GUI client package with Web service access to develop the SOA backend.
Designing both client and server to be event-oriented, and evaluate an overall Event-Driven Architecture for its proper fit.
Designing both the client and server to be asynchronous message-based rather than using synchronous Web service calls, thus preventing either side from hanging up when a connection isn’t possible.
Pushing as much intelligence as possible onto the smart client, since it is closer to the user and will retain functionality even if the connection drops.
Queue-ing up all messages to be delivered when the connectivity returns.
Understanding the issues with cache coherency and reconciling differences once the connection is regained.

The examples illustrate how traditional SOA engineering assumes the basic infrastructure requirements are available and accessible. Many federal agencies will tell you that such is not the case for some of their units operating at the tip of the spear. Ironically, these individuals have a great need for real-time information to conduct their mission. SOA-related initiatives need to respond accordingly.

About the Author: Cameron Matthews is the CTO for Sentek Consulting, a rapidly-growing provider of government and commercial IT security and C2 programs, including security, program management, strategic consulting, engineering, software development and acquisition support. He can be reached at [email protected].

Rapid Acquisition & Deployment of Armor, Sensors & Firepower Improve Combat Effectiveness & Protection of Deployed British Troops

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Sep 18, 2008

During the Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) Equipment Demonstration held in the UK last month, the Ministry of Defense displayed some of the latest types of equipment being use by the British Army on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support said that the Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process proved itself as an undisputed success – over £3Bn of extra money has been spent on new equipment for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. New equipment fielded under UOR range from better personal gear and weapons, to new armored vehicles, like the Mastiff and Ridgback and sophisticated sensors protecting forward operating bases.

Tethered, Remotely Controlled Sensors to Improve Force Protection

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Sep 18, 2008

During the Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) Equipment Demonstration held in the UK last month, the Ministry of Defense displayed some of the latest types of equipment being use by the British Army on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the new features demonstrated here was the new protected outpost called ‘Super sanger’, fitted with modern remotely controlled weapon station (RWS) as seen in the picture above. According to Major Donald Hodgson, Capability Integration Manager at the Equipment Directorate Land Forces a Super sanger is built of three ISO containers stacked on top of each other with the RWS fitted on top of that. (shown in the left photo). “In total, they come in at around 10 feet with a daylight camera and a thermal imagery camera to allow soldiers to sit inside the structure protected by bullet-proof windows. This gives us the method of providing enhanced optical capability as well as being able to fire weapons from inside a protected area.” says Hodgson.

Another addition to base protection in the form of camp surveillance is ‘Cortez’, currently being developed at the Land Warfare Centre in Netheravon, and is planned to be rolled out to Afghanistan throughout 2009. Cortez uses sensors to protect FOBs, large camps, Observation Posts and Patrol Bases. This sensor suite includes mast-mounted or aerostat-borne sensors (mostly EO cameras). Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Falkner, from ISTAR Operations and Training anticipates that with the introduction of Cortez assets, FOB manpower could be reduced, as many security tasks could be eliminated by the system. “troops could be released to do other things.

Operators will be able to watch troops on the ground from further distances with the new and improved equipment which will significantly extend the range of visibility.” says Col. Flanker. The new system will be manned by Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) from the Territorial Army (TA) who will provide specialist advice to operators from the regular Army. It is expected that the latest generation of Cortez will be up and running by 2009 and will be syndicated across bases throughout the year.

The mobility of troops and supplies is improving with the introduction of better protected logistical vehicles and dedicated vehicles designed for mobility cross-country and in urban terrain. The new Snatch-Vixen (above), an upgraded version of the armored LandRover uses heavier axels to carry additional armor and more payload in theatre. The vehicle also has better mine protection. The RWMIK (below) with its new built in armor was also on display, with the new Jackal (above), which has been deployed in Afghanistan with 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon and the Household Calvary Regiment.

Back to UOR News Headlines.

Improved Armor & IED Protection for British Army Units

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Sep 18, 2008

Among the vehicles displayed was the new Ridgeback Personnel Protected Vehicle, which is a smaller version of the popular Mastiff that is already in used in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The new Snatch-Vixen, an upgraded version of the armored LandRover uses heavier axels to carry additional armor and more payload in theatre. The vehicle also has better mine protection. The RWMIK with its new built in armor was on display and the new Jackal, which has been deployed in Afghanistan with 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon and the Household Calvary Regiment.

The new command vehicle ‘Panther’, was also on display. Panther is completing acceptance tests and will soon be delivered to deployed units. There was also the 3 variants of the new Man Trucks on the Demonstration.

An up-armored Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (picture above) and up armored Warrior Armored Personnel Carrier (bottom) were unveiled here for the first time, fitted with the modern Intensive Explosive Reactive Armor (IERA) add-on suite part of the Warrior additional protection (WRAP2) plan.

Other up-armored configurations of weapon systems on display included the AS90 Self Propelled Gun, the Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS), the upgraded Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Scimitar and Spartan. (left).

The Bulldog Armored personnel Carrier also uses advanced hybrid armor suit, already proven in theater. The Challenger tank and Warrior uses add-on armor to protect from IEDs, as well as electronic jammers to disrupt command signals.

Among the vehicles currently operating in theater were the Viking, Challenger Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CRARRV) and the new Engineers Terrier Vehicle.

Many of these armored combat vehicles, from the heavily armored Mastiff patrol vehicle to the challenger tank and swift Panther command vehicle were recently fitted with Enforcer type Remote Weapons Systems (RWS), mounting a remotely controlled day/night thermal sight and automatic weapon (mostly 12.7/7.62mm machine gun).

Next: Tethered, Remotely Controlled Sensors to Improve Force Protection

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Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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